How Often Should You Clean These Common Items?

Keeping a clean home is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable living space. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or social commitments in a bustling city like New York or Chicago, it can be easy to lose track of when and how often you should clean common household items.

But here’s the thing: maintaining a regular cleaning routine doesn’t just keep your space looking presentable; it also helps reduce allergens, bacteria, and odors that can build up over time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how often you should clean everything from your bedding to your refrigerator shelves, along with some practical tips to stay on top of your cleaning schedule.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

Some items in your home get a lot of use and, as a result, dirt and germs can build up fast. Taking the time to clean these common items daily may feel tedious, but it’s essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

High-Touch Surfaces

Think of the items you touch multiple times a day: doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and smartphone screens. These surfaces are hotspots for germs and bacteria. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, viruses like the flu can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Make it a habit to wipe these down daily using disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaner.

Kitchen Countertops and Sink

The kitchen is one of the busiest areas of the home, especially in smaller apartments. After preparing meals, wipe down your countertops and sink to remove food particles and bacteria. A quick scrub with warm, soapy water or a disinfectant spray will do the trick.

Bathroom Surfaces

Your bathroom deserves daily attention, particularly high-touch areas like the toilet seat, faucets, and shower handles. These spots can quickly accumulate bacteria and grime. A quick wipe-down with a disinfectant cleaner ensures these surfaces remain fresh and sanitary.

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

While daily cleaning takes care of the essentials, some areas of your home require a bit more attention on a weekly basis. Setting aside time for these tasks can help prevent dirt and grime from building up.

Bedding (Sheets and Pillowcases)

Your bed is where you spend a third of your day, making it a prime candidate for regular cleaning. Sweat, skin cells, and dust mites can accumulate in your bedding over time, which may exacerbate allergies. Aim to wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week in hot water to eliminate allergens and bacteria.

Floors

Floors, whether carpeted or hardwood, collect dirt, dust, and debris faster than you think. In apartments, especially those with limited space, the mess can feel overwhelming if left unchecked. Vacuum carpets and rugs at least once a week and mop hard floors to maintain a clean and polished appearance.

Mirrors and Glass Surfaces

Mirrors in bathrooms and glass surfaces, such as coffee tables or windows, can accumulate fingerprints and water spots. Wiping these down with a glass cleaner weekly keeps them spotless and streak-free.

Monthly Cleaning Tasks

Once you’ve mastered your daily and weekly routines, it’s important to focus on how often to clean common items that don’t require frequent attention but still play a crucial role in keeping your home hygienic.

Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers

When was the last time you checked the back of your fridge? Spills, leaks, and expired food can create a less-than-pleasant environment. Once a month, empty your refrigerator, toss anything past its expiration date, and wipe down the shelves and drawers with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent.

Showerheads and Tiles

Your bathroom tiles and showerhead can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew if not cleaned regularly. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to scrub tiles and soak your showerhead in a descaling solution once a month to maintain proper water flow.

Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans and light fixtures tend to collect dust, especially in areas with limited ventilation. Wipe down these fixtures monthly using a microfiber cloth to improve air quality and brighten up your living space.

Seasonal or Biannual Cleaning Tasks

Some common items don’t need frequent attention but benefit from a deeper clean every few months. Adding these to your seasonal routine helps ensure your home stays fresh year-round.

Curtains and Blinds

Dust and allergens can settle on curtains and blinds, even if they’re not visibly dirty. Every three to six months, remove curtains for washing (if the fabric allows) or use a vacuum attachment to clean blinds.

Deep Cleaning Rugs and Carpets

Vacuuming is great for weekly maintenance, but carpets and rugs need a more thorough clean periodically. Renting a carpet cleaner or scheduling professional cleaning services every six months can help remove embedded dirt and allergens.

Windows and Window Tracks

While you might clean glass surfaces weekly, the entire window setup—including tracks—deserves attention every season. Use a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove dirt and debris from the tracks, and clean the glass with a streak-free solution.

Annual Cleaning Tasks

There are some deep-cleaning tasks to tackle once a year, including when you clean common items that don’t need frequent attention but make a big difference when addressed.

Deep Clean Your Mattress

Your mattress accumulates sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites over time. Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it thoroughly. Consider flipping or rotating your mattress to extend its lifespan.

Decluttering and Organizing Closets

An annual closet clean-out not only makes space for new items but also keeps your living space tidy. Donate items you no longer wear and reorganize to make better use of your storage.

Professional Deep Cleaning

Once a year, consider investing in a professional cleaning service like MyClean for a top-to-bottom deep clean. Professionals have the tools and expertise to tackle hard-to-reach areas and ensure your home feels brand new.

Tips for Staying Consistent

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of cleaning tasks on this list, but consistency is key. Here are some strategies to help you stick to a routine:

• Create a Cleaning Schedule: Break tasks into manageable chunks and assign specific days to each category (e.g., Mondays for high-touch surfaces, Sundays for sheets).
• Use Technology: Apps like Tody or Home Routines can remind you of what needs cleaning and when.
• Delegate Tasks: If you live with roommates, split up the chores to share the load.

Conclusion

Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By sticking to a regular cleaning schedule—daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal—you can maintain a healthy, comfortable, and inviting space without much hassle. Prioritizing these tasks not only improves hygiene but also helps you stay organized and stress-free.

And when life gets too busy, MyClean is here to help. Our professional cleaning services ensure your home is spotless, with easy booking, reliable service, and meticulous attention to detail. Let us handle the cleaning so you can focus on what matters most.